NEWSLETTERS - Heartland Trade Show clocks $1.2 million purchase record

Heartland Trade Show clocks $1.2 million purchase record

Guest Speaker Mike Frank.

The Heartland of America Trade Show cemented its claim as one of the most influential regional trade shows in the country Wednesday with organizers reporting dealers turned in $1.2 million worth of purchase orders across the two day buying frenzy that drew dealers from over seven states.

This year's purchase total almost doubled last year's record and raises the bar for the four year old regional show, which this year drew more vendors and dealer companies than ever before.

The historic Trade Show concluded June 18 with a renowned speaker Mike Frank who spoke on the process of finding, hiring and keeping good employees.

Over 145 mangers and owners representing some 27 dealer companies perused 66 booths -- 13 of which were new vendors to this year's show.

The increased investment by dealers at this year's show is a clear sign rent-to-own is alive and kicking in the midwest and that dealers are willing to step up to the plate to make the Heartland of America Show one of the biggest regional draws around, according to organizer Ken Steiner.

Heartland Tradeshow coordinator Ken Steiner.

"The simple fact we have stressed is that in bad economic times, if we want to continue to have a trade show, we really need to put forth the effort," said Steiner, executive director of show host Missouri Rental Dealers Association. "And that's exactly what the dealers did this year."

Chuck Kuluva, owner of Rental City, a Kansas City, Missouri company said the selection and deals offered at the show made it difficult not to buy.

"This has grown so much from the handful of dealers who used to come from four or five neighboring states," Kuluva said. "When you have a lot of people and a lot of booths like this, it brings in the companies."

MRDA President John Cleek Jr. said the record setting show was an indication of the level of industry support in not only Missouri but in all the states that participated in the show.

"This year's show set an all time record and we were pleased to have the level of participation from both dealers and vendors," Cleek said. "This is an historic moment for the Heartland Trade Show and we hope to make it even bigger and better next year."

mevans@rtohq.org